Walking through the garage at Phoenix International Raceway, James Buescher was pleasantly surprised to see a swarm of NASCAR fans seeking his autograph.

He laughed and explained that fans must not be too discerning when it comes to drivers because this was the first time he'd ever competed at a NASCAR-sanctioned event.

“

I'm really excited about this opportunity with Braun Racing. Who knows, maybe when I sign autographs some day it will be because I'm a household name.

”

JAMES BUESCHER

"They just see you in a driver suit," Buescher said, walking back to his hauler. "I knew they really didn't know who I was, they didn't know my name."

The 18-year-old from Plano, Texas hopes to earn his autographs soon and be known for his name -- not just his suit as he makes his NASCAR debut in the Nationwide Series this season.

He's well on his way, according to teammates at Braun Racing, who have tapped Buescher to pilot six races in their No. 32 Toyota entry in the Nationwide Series. It's a ride shared by Cup stars Kyle Busch, Denny Hamlin and Brian Vickers as well.

In his first event at PIR, Buescher exceeded expectations and finished 18th in a field where at least 30 percent of the drivers were Sprint Cup veterans.

"I feel really good about what we accomplished," Buescher said. "I really wanted to complete all the laps and keep the car in one piece, but we were actually able to do better than that. Of course you want to win every race you compete in, but I was realistic about my goals for this race and I feel good about the experience I got. Now we have something to build on for the next race in Kentucky."

And the career he is building on is only six years old. Buescher turned 18 last month and was racing Legend cars and Bandaleros just two years ago.

Admittedly, it's a quick progression but Buescher said when opportunities come along, you have rise to the occasion.

"I have opportunities and they may not come around again, so I've got to take advantage," said the young driver who this season has more on his plate than just NASCAR.

He's racing in four additional series; ARCA RE/MAX Series, USAR Hooters Pro Cup Series, the NASCAR Camping World West Series, and the Blizzard Late Model Series.

His versatility in racing stands out with his accomplishments in a short period of time.

In seven ARCA/RE/MAX starts last season, Buescher finished in the top 10 six times and became the youngest winner in series history when Buescher won his first-ever ARCA event at Lakeland Speedway. Buescher started in the top 10 five times, including on the outside pole twice.

In Hooters Pro Cup (USAR) competition for Turner Motorsports, Buescher finished 10th in the final points standings. He captured two top-five and four top-10 finishes during the 2007 season.

He began his racing career in 2002 at age 12 racing Bandaleros. He won the Bandalero Young Guns national championship in 2004, the Legends Young Lions national championship in 2005 and the ASA Late Model Southern Division championship and rookie of the year title in 2006.

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It was here, with mentor Steven Turner that Buescher said he got his "big break" and even found a soul mate.

At a Legends race in Texas, Buescher experienced engine failure and needed a back up. Turner provided one and Buescher went on to win the race and beat Turner's daughter who was also competing.

Buescher became fast friends with the family and Turner put Buescher in his Late Model car the next season. Buescher and Turner's daughter started a courtship that has since lasted three years and he now wears a promise ring on his left hand to honor the relationship.

In his downtime, Buescher helps out on the Turner ranch in Sheridan, Texas.

But next month his focus will return to NASCAR when he drives the No. 32 again at the Nationwide Series' Meijer 300 at the Kentucky Speedway.

In his six races, he hopes to stand out at non-companion events by finishing in the top five and maybe even win a race.

"I'm really excited about this opportunity with Braun Racing," Buescher said. "This is what you work for as a driver and I feel very fortunate to have this chance with such a great organization. Who knows, maybe when I sign autographs some day it will be because I'm a household name."